The phrase "The tricorn hat is not a costume" It has become the focus of a new initiative by the Pro Civil Guard Association (APROGC), which has decided to take a further step in defending one of the force's most recognizable symbols. In a letter addressed to the Directorate General of the Civil Guard, the organization is demanding that this garment be legally protected to prevent uses that could cause confusion among the public.
In its petition, APROGC emphasizes that the tricorn hat is much more than just a uniform accessoryThey consider it a key piece of the corporate identity of the armed institute and an emblem historically linked to the figure of the civil guard, both inside and outside of Spain, whose legal protection should be equated to that of the rest of the distinctive signs of the body.
APROGC requests registration of the tricorn hat as an official trademark
The Pro Civil Guard Association has confirmed that it has sent a formal letter to the Director General of the Civil Guard requesting that the tricorn hat be registered with the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM). The stated objective is to “preserve its historical identity” and prevent its uncontrolled use in contexts outside the institution.
In that document, the entity proposes that the registration of the tricorn hat be added to that of other already protected elements, so that its use as a distinctive sign is regulated of the agents. APROGC insists that the garment should be legally recognized as part of the visual heritage of the force, at the same level as its name, logos or official emblems.
The association emphasizes that this measure aims to nip any potential problems in the bud. misunderstandings about the status of those who wear this hat in public events, in addition to limiting their commercial exploitation. The aim is not to prohibit tributes to the Civil Guard, but rather to establish a clear framework that prevents undue comparisons with active-duty personnel.
Along with the registration application, APROGC proposes that the Directorate General send a “a thoughtful letter” to the groups who use the tricorn hat as part of their attire. In that message, they would be thanked for their recognition of the institution, but invited to choose another head covering for their uniforms so as not to encroach upon the symbolic territory of the corps.
A symbol linked to the Civil Guard since 1844
Since the creation of the Civil Guard in 1844The tricorn hat, or three-cornered hat, has been inextricably linked to the image of the military. Over time, the design has adapted, but the association remains a reminder that the The model that is known today was consolidated in 1989always maintaining its distinctive character.
For members of the armed forces, this garment represents a clear sign of identityIt is something they feel recognized for throughout the country and abroad. It is not seen as a mere accessory, but as an element that embodies tradition, discipline, and the historical role played by the Civil Guard.
APROGC insists that the tricorn hat is part of the collective imagination linked to the body, to the point that simply seeing it is enough to immediately associate him with a Civil Guard officerPrecisely because of this symbolic weight, the entity believes that its use by third parties should be subject to clear limits.
The defense of this garment, according to the association, is part of a broader strategy of protection of historical heritage and traditions of the body. In his opinion, allowing the tricorn hat to be trivialized as a prop or costume would end up eroding the social perception of the institution and its functions.
Holy Week and other events: the focus of the confusion
One of the central arguments of APROGC's campaign is what has been happening in Holy Week processions and other public events scattered throughout Spain. In recent years, the presence of musical groups and collectives that incorporate hats very similar to the official tricorn hat into their uniforms has become widespread.
The association warns that this practice can lead to misunderstandings difficult to avoidIn the middle of the street, during a procession or large celebration, many citizens may think that those wearing that hat are real civil guards escorting religious floats, thrones or images.
According to APROGC, this risk of confusion affects both the clarity in the identification of the agents as well as the image of the body itself. They argue that it is not the same to see a uniformed marching band as it is to see officials with security responsibilities, something that should be clearly differentiated aesthetically as well.
For this reason, the association proposes that an institutional message be conveyed to these groups, recognizing their appreciation and affection towards the Civil GuardBut they are being encouraged to choose a different head covering than the tricorn hat. The intention is to avoid unnecessary conflicts without breaking the bonds of collaboration or respect that many of them maintain with the corps.
Guardia Civil brand protection since 2015
APROGC's initiative is not starting from scratch. The Civil Guard already has one. extensive battery of trademark registrations before the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office since 2015, with which it has been legally protecting its corporate identity.
Among those records is the trademark “CIVIL GUARD” (No. 3.547.514), as well as various graphic emblems associated with the corps (No. 3.547.571 and No. 3.547.523). These protect the official use of such recognizable symbols as the fasces and the crossed sword, elements present on the shield and other institutional symbols.
Furthermore, this protection extends to industrial design of uniforms and corporate colorswhere even the characteristic green tone of the body is specified using technical references such as Pantone 341C. In this way, it is precisely defined which elements form part of the official image of the armed institute.
Thanks to these registrations, companies and individuals who want to use the Guardia Civil brand on products of merchandising, clothing, toys or audiovisual productions They must first obtain authorization. This request is made through the Guardia Civil's Electronic Headquarters, which evaluates each case to ensure proper and respectful use.
The proposal to specifically include the tricorn hat in this protective framework is understood as a logical step to complete the armor of the main symbols of the body, reducing the scope for commercial or aesthetic uses that may trivialize their meaning.
An emblem that seeks to protect its historical identity
In the documentation submitted to the General Directorate, APROGC emphasizes that “The tricorn hat is not a costume”but rather a symbol of identity that has accompanied the Civil Guard since its inception. In his opinion, allowing its free use in festive or recreational contexts without any control leads to confusion that obscures the image of the officer.
The association insists that it does not intend to break off relations with the brotherhoods, bands, and groups that feel sympathy or admiration for the Civil GuardHowever, she argues that this recognition can be expressed in many other ways, without resorting to a garment so closely associated with the body as if it were a carnival costume.
The underlying message is that society should clearly distinguish, visually as well, when it is facing officials with authority And when to wear it in the presence of civilian groups participating in a religious, cultural, or festive event. For this purpose, the tricorn hat should be reserved for institutional settings and those cases with express authorization.
With the eventual registration of the tricorn hat in the OEPM, the Civil Guard would have additional tools to take action against misuseThis would strengthen the defense of an almost two-hundred-year-old icon that is part of Spain's visual landscape and that, for many citizens, remains an immediate synonym for the "Civil Guard."
The debate opened by APROGC raises the question of to what extent the symbols of the security forces can be mixed with the festive or religious sphere Without creating any misunderstandings. The proposal to register the tricorn hat as an official trademark and to ask groups to stop using it seeks to establish a clear line: that of considering this garment as a professional emblem with its own historical value, and not as just another accessory within the repertoire of costumes or uniforms for special occasions.